Giving Donor Milk Instead of Formula in Moderate-Late Preterm Infants: the GIFT trial

When premature babies — born between 32 and 37 weeks — need supplementary feeding because their mother's breast milk isn't yet available in sufficient quantities, the standard option is infant formula. However, donated breast milk from other mothers (pasteurised donor human milk) may be a gentler, more natural alternative that helps premature infants leave hospital sooner. The GIFT Trial is comparing donor breast milk versus standard infant formula as a supplement to whatever maternal breast milk is available. The main question is whether using donor milk shortens the length of a premature baby's hospital stay. The study will also look at health outcomes, breastfeeding rates, growth, development, and healthcare costs. Your baby may be eligible if they were born between 32 and 37 weeks gestation, weigh at least 1500 grams, are clinically stable, and do not have enough maternal breast milk available. Babies with metabolic disorders that prevent breastfeeding, or major birth abnormalities requiring surgery, are not eligible. If proven effective, this study could change routine care for thousands of premature babies born across Australia every year.